We’ve already seen one Irishman make the move from the MMA/UFC world into boxing as Conor McGregor took on Floyd Money Mayweather on August 26th – but could we see another move from boxing to MMA?
Michael Conlan told 'Now That's What I Call Sport':
“If you’re going to offer me thirty million to fight someone, 100% I would jump into the cage and do that. 100 million percent!”
The Belfast native secured the most emphatic win of his fledgling pro boxing career after he claimed a second round victory over American Kenny Guzman.
Conlan floored Guzman with a sweet right hand to the chin and although Guzman got back to his feet and answered the count, referee Wes Melton put an end to the contest.
As a pro boxer, Conlan continues his 100% record with wins over Guzman, Jarrett Owen, Alfredo Chanez and Tim Ibarra since making his debut on St. Patrick’s Day earlier this year, but says his interest in MMA is solely from a distance.
“I wouldn’t be competing in MMA because I know I’m no good at it and I’m not going to pretend that I’m going to be good at it either because these guys are used to doing this stuff."
"I don’t like anyone trying to get me in choke-holds or anything so no, MMA is not the sport for me. I like watching it but I wouldn’t like to compete in it.”
Conlan burst onto the boxing scene back in 2012 at the Olympics in London and since then has claimed silverware at amateur level. Now a professional, his focus is firmly on continuing his fine form but that 30 million may persuade him away from the ring and into the octagon.
“To be honest, it was a throw away comment. If someone offered me 30 million to go into an octagon to fight someone, I would go in but tap out 100%.”
